The NBA Season is still young and TSS is keeping the ball in play. We hit you off with the West, now it’s time to bicker about the Eastern Conference Standings. The East is has a top heavy talent pool but it’s full of compelling storylines that’ll keep you tuned in. The Celtics are back, healthy and ready for another run at the chip. Meanwhile LBJ is still climbing for the mountain top while Orlando knows what it takes to get there. But screw all that serious stuff. Gilbert Arenas is back ladies and gentlemen. Who knows what kind of off the wall antics he’s capable of pulling this year? Hold that thought and check out our picks.

The no defense playing Raptors will get a huge offensive boost from Hedo Tukoglu and they got a strong back up for Calderon in Jarrett Jack. And last I checked, Chris Bosh is still one of the best 4’s in the League. Bargnani didn’t have a bad year, although I always cringe at these towering European transplants that can’t grab at least 8 boards a game. It’s a shame really. At any rate, it’s back to the playoffs for these cats even though they lack toughness in the paint.

3. Philadelphia 76ers (41-41)

They’ll miss Andre Miller down the stretch when it’s time for the playoff push. Lou Williams is a decent backup point guard that can score but I’m not entirely sold on his ability to be a court general. Elton Brand is back and healthy but I’m not assured he’ll be the same 20 and 10 guy he used to be. Iggy and Thaddeus will have to work in overdrive if they want another shot at the playoffs. The burden will be on their shoulders as the team’s top scorers.

4. New Jersey Nets (38-44)

Devin Harris showcased true potential last year and Brook Lopez exhibited tons of promise. Other than that, most of the squad leaves much to be desired. Yi Jianlian is beyond soft as a power forward and has an inconsistent jumper. Courtney Lee has some upside and he’s a decent perimeter defender as well as their Lottery Pick Terrence Williams. Still this youthful squad lacks power in the paint when Brook isn’t on the court. They’ll struggle with poor rebounding and interior D throughout the ’09-’10 campaign.

5. New York Knicks (37-45)

Who didn’t see this coming? In all honesty the Knicks won’t be as bad as they’ve been in previous years. But the undersized squad can’t eat off heart (or lack thereof in Curry’s case) alone. They’re still rebuilding and show some promise for next year with the second largest salary cap space in the league behind NJ. On the bright side Nate Robinson will get his ESPN top play nods and Wilson Chandler is capable of an All Star year. Just don’t expect them to play in May.

So, let me get this straight. LeBron won MVP and had one of the most impressive individual playoffs ever last season and he had to deal with thinking he may have had cancer? Thankfully, King James has that situation behind him and with some guy named Shaq as a teammate, the Cavs are arguably the favorite to represent the East in the Finals. Aside from Bron, Shaq and Mo, the Cavs are also much improved with defensive help in Anthony Parker (6’6) and JeMario Moon (6’8). The Cavs also find themselves being one of the deepest teams in the league, which is never a bad thing.

2. Detroit Pistons (46-36)

Sheed’s gone. A.I.’s gone. Chauncey’s been gone. Yet and still, the additions of Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, along with an I.V. of new life with head coach John Kuester, the Pistons should have no problem improving from last season’s 39 wins. I’ve always felt Rodney Stuckey would be a very good point guard given the chance, and this season should afford him the opportunity. Detroit has a solid nucleus of players (including the return of Ben Wallace) which should help it garner a 5-7 seed in the playoffs come next spring.

3. Chicago Bulls (40-42)

There’s two things I know about MJ’s old club. They SHOULD have beaten the Celtics in that first round classic last year. And two, Derrick Rose will be a top three point guard in the very near future. While the Bulls are still very young, they’re also the same exact team from last year, minus Ben Gordon. I still believe, however, their ability to push the ball up the court will help them land the eighth seed in the playoffs. Chicago’s record could very well be better than the one I predicted, pending Loul Deng’s return provides significant results.

4. Indiana Pacers (35-47)

Truthfully, the Pacers could be better than my prediction alludes. On the flip side, they could also be worse. After drafting UNC legend Tyler Hansborough in the ’09 draft, one thing they will definitely be is tough down low. If Psycho T can compliment T.J. Ford, Troy Murphy and all-star Danny Granger, the Pacers have a solid core to build upon. Let’s not forget if former Georgetown standout Roy Hibbert can take up some space at the five, Indiana could be a surprise team. But, unfortunately in the NBA, “if’s” do NOT produce W’s. Until things look more certain in Indiana, I’ll keep them in this spot.

5. Milwaukee Bucks (28-54)

Why Michael Redd decided NOT to sign with Cleveland a few years back, I’ll never know. Even while I am confident the Bucks will find themselves in a similar position as the NFL team with the same name, the prospect of seeing Brandon Jennings in the NBA this season is exciting. However, after shipping Richard Jefferson to San Antonio and basically getting nothing in return (Bruce Bowen retired), look for another dismal season in Wisconsin.

Orlando doesn’t believe in the saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That’s because they gave up the role players that made them Eastern Conference champions last year. With Hedo Turkoglu and Rafer Alston going to Toronto and New Jersey respectively, they added veteran Vince Carter in hopes of bringing a title to the “O.” The squad is solid with Jameer Nelson returning at full strength. The big three including Rashard Lewis, Mickael Pietrus and the intimidating Dwight Howard round out a squad sure to go far in the East again.

2. Atlanta Hawks (63 -19)

Believe it or not but Jamal Crawford will be the key to success for the Hawks. Crawford, a starter in New York for years helps take on the load that fatigued Joe Johnson at the latter part of last season. Also an option to backup point guard Mike Bibby, Crawford adds depth to a squad needing some relief. With fresh legs the Hawks will be deadly especially when Josh Smith will get more open looks in the process.

3. Miami Heat (59-23)

Dwayne Wade is Miami. Well, maybe at least for one more year. After reminding the league that he was still that damn good, he still has to prove his validity in the monster contract season to come. With a supporting cast not as impressive as years past, hopefully vet Jermaine O’Neal can hold him down like another center with the same name. Either way you’ll definitely see Wade on the highlight reel.

4. Washington Wizards (34-48)

The Wizards hit the sports pages more for the injury chart than wins. Antwan Jamison proved that to be so as he recently went down with a shoulder injury. Caron Butler is the go to guy as confidence in Gilbert Arenas has dwindled with his own health in question. If this squad was in full strength they would definitely contend. But the key word is “If.”

5. Charlotte Bobcats (30-52)

With Michael Jordan and Larry Brown working together to make this team valid in the league they sure made a statement when trading their inaugural draft pick Emeka Okafor for Tyson Chandler. Sorry to say that statement fell to deaf ears. Adding Raja Bell and Boris Diaw last year made the squad more well rounded but that doesn’t exactly mean they’re a good team. Look for Raymond Felton to be the key player to determine if the cats are competitive or just plain stink.

The standing in the Southeast look fine but those win totals are quite absurd. LOL. As much as I would like to think my Hawks will win 63 games, let’s be realistic. I’ll be happy with 50. Wade and Co. are only good for 45 wins tops.

10.27.09 at 4:24 pm

AmpGeez a.k.a Get Rich Or Blog Tryin'

The Knicks will make the playoffs. Last year was the first season they ran D’antoni’s up tempo offense. They are more acclimated to the gameplan and cats like Milicic & rookie Jordan Hill (keep your eyes on this kid) give the team a couple more options. Of all the second tier teams in the East, the Knicks have enough offense to gut it out and snatch that 8th seed. They’re gonna be able to smack bad teams and be competitive against teams with winning records.

didnt even mention rashweed. he should still be able to contribute to the celts.
these trades should make for some good random e.conf games thru out the season

10.27.09 at 4:51 pm

Sam C

It’s really a big four with Jameer, Vince, Rasard and Dwight. Mickael Pietrus can’t sit at the big people table.

10.27.09 at 4:51 pm

Cell Thuropy

I love the EAST!!!!Hol’ me didown this season boys!

1. Boston- Agreed. The C’s will dominate the East and we’ll get our happy ending this year!

2. Pistons- Are gonna be something viscous. Now that Sheed is gone, They are getting the dust off the squad. And Gordan, well y’all already know about Gordan
Toronto- I still dont understand why Hedu left the Magic, that pissed me off. Now he’s further back in the line with Bosh and them

3.Magic- Of course, they will have a deadly season. Healthy Jameer Cat, Vince and SupaMan….Nuff said.

4.Atlanta- My hopes havent raised any with them. Here in Atlanta, we’re just happy to be contending again.

5. MiEZ- If they dont do trades this season. Wade is gone, believe that

6.Toronto- I still dont understand why Hedu left the Magic, that pissed me off. Now he’s further back in the line with Bosh and them

10.27.09 at 4:54 pm

AmpGeez a.k.a Get Rich Or Blog Tryin'

Turkoglu for Carter?

Downgrade.

10.27.09 at 4:54 pm

complexone

FAIL

10.27.09 at 4:59 pm

Chris

Huh?

What?

Wait… HUH !?

10.27.09 at 5:01 pm

DS™ @ Work

Dj Trackstar’s heart cracked when he read, “look for another dismal season in Wisconsin.” lol

10.27.09 at 5:05 pm

Cell Thuropy

@Amp

Turk for Carter is a great thing. They didnt need all them shooters. Lewis and Meer can hold that down. They desperately needed an aggressor because they had….*looks around* None!

10.27.09 at 5:10 pm

Sam C

I still laugh when cats call Jameer Nelson “Jameercat.”

Other dumb NBA player nicknames me and my boys use.

Rajon Rondo=”The Raging Rondo!!”

Trevor Ariza=”Trevor Arizona” (that ain’t mine)

Zach Randolph=”Eddie Winslow” (can’t claim that one either haha)

10.27.09 at 5:11 pm

Deen

Chuckles.

Leaves.

10.27.09 at 5:19 pm

AmpGeez a.k.a Get Rich Or Blog Tryin'

They desperately needed an aggressor because they had….*looks around* None!
=============================================
Vince is a shell of his former self. Dude can’t even get off the ground anymore. All he has are layups around the basket.

With Hedo, the Magic`was able to spread the floor, isolate Howard in the post and have him kick out to the open shooter. He’s taller, younger & more of a playmaker then Vince.

The Magic will still win games, but an improvement? nah.

The Cavs had no defense for Hedo’s pick & roll game.

Thankfully that problem no longer exists.

10.27.09 at 5:24 pm

AmpGeez a.k.a Get Rich Or Blog Tryin'

P.S. The only reason they traded Hedo is cause he was going to leave anyway. The Magic would’ve kept him if they could.

10.27.09 at 5:56 pm

Cell Thuropy

Amp

Yeah I know he wanted to bounce. Something about his wife wanting to be there. I think Magic shoulda done whatever they had to do keep him.

The shell of Vince Carter isn’t so much his lack of skill but motivation. You’ll see a different carter this season believe that! Have you seen the pre season games?

They spread the floor with Hedu there, they spread the floor with with Hedu gone. They have 3 starting shooters.

10.27.09 at 6:19 pm

MZ

I will say that Magic blew the Hawks out of the gym in a preseason game last week. They looked good, but it was the preseason.

10.27.09 at 6:22 pm

hydro

props for putting your predictions out there. but you be trippin’ – heat got not shot of getting 59 wins. i love beasley’s potential, but even if he improves they still lack the depth to get that many Ws. I say 50 is a challenging goal for them…

also, predicting 60+ wins for the hawks takes courage. i dunno about that…i think its tough to crack 60 without a top 5 player. hawks don’t even have a top 15 player as far as i’m concerned. joe johnson is nice, but if he is your franchise player you gonna struggle to win a championship. he would be a perfect sidekick for a cat like lebron though…

i agree with your prediction of 70 wins for orlando. those cats have everything going for them…a game plan that is quite different from other teams (1 dwight howard, 4 shooters on the floor) that has been proven to work in the past. and with SVG’s excellent coaching, they have become the leagues best defensive team too. while i’m more critical of VC than most, he IS a solid upgrade over turk. also, adding bass, barnes and jason williams really gives this team championship calibre defense. it may be trendy to talk about cavs or celtics for the east…but i feel a lakers magic finals is likely again and magic will come out on top.

Downgrade.
=========================
With the Magic’s style of play… I agree.

Team to Watch = Chicago Bulls

Mike Bibby has been a playoff series loser his entire career. Nothing is gonna change that this season. Hey,… at least he’s consistent. lol

10.27.09 at 8:55 pm

hydro

Ya’ll over-rating Turkoglu. Dude was nice in the playoffs. But his shooting was off all season. Also, he was not the best defensively.

I loved Turk in that pick and roll. But we are talking about VC here. Definite upgrade. VC is a better shooter, and defender. Cats is forgetting he can pass too. Sure, he has often been underachieving in his career and often mailed in performances…hell he often mailed in whole seasons! But he has NEVER played with a great big man. While definetely not the type of person you’d make your franchise player, he is a great sidekick to have on your team.

Also, cats are talking up the Raptors for no good reason. Just cos they made lots of trades doesn’t mean they are better. I think they have gotten worse through their trades. Bosh just isn’t a superstar capable of getting that team over the hurdle…maybe it’s best for both parties if he does indeed leave at the end of the year.

10.27.09 at 9:20 pm

RoyistheBoy

70 wins for the Magic? this is why we go to Slam and ESPN for basketball speculation, and TSS for Hip Hop speculation.
Maybe you guys can start offering advice for the stock exchange next?
Cavs rep the east in the finals.

10.27.09 at 9:44 pm

AmpGeez a.k.a Get Rich Or Blog Tryin'

Ya’ll over-rating Turkoglu. Dude was nice in the playoffs. But his shooting was off all season. Also, he was not the best defensively.
==================================================
But the playoffs are all that really matter.

10.27.09 at 10:04 pm

Tru School

70 wins is a lofty goal, but an attainable one. I look at Hedo leaving as a blessing in disguise. No more Hedo walking the ball up the court and running a pick and roll. The 3 was our friend last year, but we truly lived and died by it. imo a shift in our offensive philosophy will pay huge dividends. Especially late in the season/playoffs in important games. Dwight not only needs to take more offensive leadership, but he’s ready to. He proved it against the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Sidenote: I’m still pissed SVG did Skip like that in the finals. Dude did a helluva job when Jameer went down and he did him and Ashy Larry dirty by leaving them to rot on the bench. Shit the one game we won we had Skip on the floor the entire 4th quarter. Big mistake taking out the pg the team was used to winning (even if he wasn’t the pg of the future). Shit at least he might have stayed to back up Jameer. The way we did him there was no way he would have stuck around. White Chocolate = downgrade. Vinsanity (if he’s truly motivated) = upgrade from Hedo (not in the skills dept, but as a teammate).

10.27.09 at 10:10 pm

AmpGeez a.k.a Get Rich Or Blog Tryin'

I look at Hedo leaving as a blessing in disguise. No more Hedo walking the ball up the court and running a pick and roll. The 3 was our friend last year, but we truly lived and died by it. imo a shift in our offensive philosophy will pay huge dividends.
————————————————-
You definitely make a good point.

10.28.09 at 5:42 am

Belve

Fuck it.. Let’s Go Knicks!!!

10.28.09 at 9:45 am

Jason H TSS

LATE ASS REPLY:

1. Turkey Glue/ Turkoglu will not be the same player in T dot so give it up. Carter finally not being the focuse will thrive as a role player especially at this stage in his career.

2. Maybe I shouldn’t have used “Big 3.” My frame of mind was in the 3,4 & 5 spots in the paint. *Think trying to go for a dunk with them three waiting for you.

3. Yes I said 70 for Orlando. I knew that would spark conversation especially with this overhyped, Shaq added Cavs squad. Orlando wasn’t supposed to go beat the Celtics and Cavs to to go to the Finals last year – I think they’ll surprise many skeptics but thats just me.